Caribbean

Famed for its pastel pink sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s hard to believe that the world’s best beach is only four hours from the UK – and you can grab return flights in July for just £80

You don’t need to jet over to the other side of the world to find sugar-like sand and crystal-clear waters. In fact, the best beach is much closer to the UK than you’d think.

Earlier this year, review site Tripadvisor revealed its Travellers Choice Awards after analysing more than eight million listings over a 12-month period. It found that nothing could quite compare to the idyllic Elafonissi Beach, located on the Greek island of Crete.

Famed for its pastel pink sand (believed to be caused by tiny fragments of seashells) and cobalt waters, Elafonissi Beach outranked dream Caribbean destinations such as Eagle Beach in Aruba and Playa Varadero in Cuba. The stunning beach, which is part of a protected nature reserve, looks like something straight out of a postcard – and makes for the perfect Instagram snap.

Whether you want to spend the day basking under the sun with a good book, or prefer to cool yourself in the shallow lagoon – this beach really does offer something for everyone. Surrounded by a lush forest of cedar trees, the coastline is also a great spot for hikers and nature lovers alike.

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“This place is not overrated!” hailed one traveller who visited the beach back in April. “It’s a short walk to get to this superb beach [from the car park] and it’s quite special because of its many lagoons. A real little jewel! The water is super transparent and turquoise.”

Another person agreed, branding the beach ‘wonderful’. It’s the best beach I have seen,” they wrote. “[The] water is very clean and fantastic for children. I want to come back there every year.” A third added: “I’m in love with this place – it’s one of my favourites. I recommend it to all the people who want to visit… the water was amazing.”

Of course, even the world’s best beach can’t impress everybody – and Elafonisi has garnered some negative attention, mainly around its €5 car park. “Can’t get anywhere near the beach!” moaned one traveller, who dubbed the high parking fee a ‘tourist scam’.

Another agreed, scathing: “When we went to Elafonisi the water was not crystal clear (it was actually impossible to see the ground), and the sand was not pink. There was a crazy [amount of] people and when we came there all the sun beds and parasols had been occupied.”

Kristen Dalton of Tripadvisor hailed its Travellers’ Choice Awards for reflecting the voices of ‘millions of global travellers’ and helping guide people to plan their ‘best trip yet’. “In my family, beaches aren’t just for sunbathing – we like to get out and explore!” she added.

“The diversity of this year’s winners really showcases everything that a beach trip can have to offer. Whether it’s strolling the beautiful pink sand beaches of our world winner, Elafonissi beach, in Greece, experiencing breath-taking vistas in Indonesia, whale watching in Hawaii or diving in magical bioluminescent waters in Thailand – there really is something for everyone.”

If you’re keen to check the beach out this year, you can fly to Crete directly from most major UK airports – including Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Bristol, and Bournemouth. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab return fares for as little as £80 in July.

Accommodation on the island is equally affordable, with plenty of hostels and no-thrill hotels to meet the tightest of budgets. For example, a week’s stay (Monday, July 7-14) at Studio Peacock will only set you back £215. This is based on two adults sharing a double bed in a one-bedroom apartment.

However, if you’re after something a little more luxurious, you have to check out Naiades Boutique Hotel. Located right on the beachfront, this adults-only resort is the epitome of chic and comes with free breakfast every morning. A Deluxe Suite with your own outdoor jacuzzi costs £1,563 on the exact same dates.

*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

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Orlando Bloom has teased a return to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, saying he would love to ‘get the band back together’ on ITV’s This Morning

Orlando Bloom dropped a major hint at a possible comeback of the swashbuckling Pirates of the Caribbean series.

The actor famed for his role as Will Turner spilled all during an interview on This Morning, sparking speculation of a sixth instalment of the iconic film franchise that first set sail in 2003 with The Curse of the Black Pearl.

With Dead Men Tell No Tales having made its voyage in 2017, chatter about a new chapter has been rife, and Orlando stoked the gossip with a coy: “Who knows?”

He teased further: “I can’t say anything at the moment because I really don’t know. They’re trying to work out what it would all look like.

“I personally think it would be great to get the band back together. But there are always different ideas, so we’ll see where it lands.”

The Lord of the Rings actor’s comments come after producer Jerry Bruckheimer addressed a return of Pirates of the Caribbean.

When asked by ComicBook.com about the future of the franchise and that of Top Gun, he replied: “It’s hard to tell. You don’t know, you really don’t know.”

Elaborating, he noted the uncertainty surrounding movie projects, but assured that rebooting Pirates is less complex since it doesn’t hinge on particular stars’ schedules.

He said: “But we’re gonna reboot Pirates, so that is easier to put together because you don’t have to wait for certain actors.”

Despite Orlando’s eagerness to “get the band back together,” he was notably absent from the fourth instalment of Pirates of the Caribbean.

In a 2010 interview about his potential involvement in the fourth film, he stated: “No, definitely not… I think Will is sort of swimming around with the fish at the bottom of the ocean. “”.

“I had a great time making those movies,” he added. “I just really wanted to do different things, but I think it’s going to be great.”

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1.

A stunning beach in the UK has been going viral after people noticed that it looks just like the beaches that line the shores of the Caribbean, with crystal-clear waters and golden sand

Discover a slice of the Caribbean on UK shores with Cornwall’s stunning beach that’s making waves on TikTok. Whisking yourself away to a sun-kissed sandy beach and gazing at crystal-clear waters while bronzing your skin is often reserved for holidays abroad. But what if you could soak in all that holiday bliss without jetting away from the UK?

A hidden gem along the UK coastline has started creating a buzz on social media for looking remarkably similar to a Caribbean paradise. With its pristine blue waters and golden sands, it’s easy to mistake this Cornish hotspot for a tropical haven a world away.

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The place shaping up to be the country’s answer to Caribbean escapes is none other than Pedn Vounder beach. This idyllic spot grabbed attention on TikTok, thanks to a share by @carbisbayhotelandestate – representing the luxe Carbis Bay estate in St Ives, which boasts its own exclusive strand.

Lucky for beachgoers, the appealing stretch featured in the viral post welcomes the public. Perched on the Penwith peninsula’s southern tip, Pedn Vounder ticks all the boxes for an exotic beach experience without leaving UK territory.

For those tempted to check out Pedn Vounder, it’s worth noting a few key insights. The secluded beauty spot experiences the ebb and flow of tidal shifts – ensuring the beach area disappears under the waves at high tide.

Moreover, reaching this hidden coastal treasure requires traversing by boat or executing a “challenging climb” down some steep rocks due to its remote setting.

Pedn Vounder, a picturesque beach in Cornwall, is gaining popularity among naturists despite not being officially designated for nude sunbathing.

Visitors are warned with signs stating “naturists may be seen beyond this point” as they make their way down to the cove, which has become an unofficial spot for those who prefer to soak up the sun in the nude.

Explore Cornwall advises that the beach can get “very busy” during the summer and school holidays, suggesting an early visit before the children break up for summer.

The website also notes: “The beach is south-facing with high cliffs on either side so it gets the best sunshine in the middle of the day and is in the shade from late afternoon.”

Reviews from previous visitors to Pedn Vounder are overwhelmingly positive, with one Google review exclaiming: “Totally mind-blowing. What a fabulous colour of water, totally loved it.”

Another visitor was equally impressed, remarking: “The best and most amazing beach you can find in the UK. This place made us think we were in the Caribbean.”

A third satisfied tourist wrote: “Beautiful beach with azure blue water, nice sand, cliffs either side and plenty of space. Water was amazing to swim in.”

Most of us have been sunburnt, however one holidaymaker suffered an extreme reaction to ‘sun poisoning’, leaving her family members referring to her as ET. She is speaking up about her experience to warn others of the risks of sun exposure

Sunshine, Caribbean heat and cocktails – that’s what Ashlei Bianchi expected from her family getaway. But just two days in, her dream holiday quickly turned into a nightmare.

The 23-year-old had spent the afternoon soaking up the scorching Punta Cana sun while chilling by the pool with family. But hours later, she noticed a strange change – her forehead and head were swollen.

She’d used protection and assumed it was just a mild reaction to the heat – nothing to stress over. “I did use sunscreen, but I still got a little red, which was going to happen either way since I’m not used to the sun down there, and we were in the pool all day,” she said.

Trying to nip it in the bud, Ashlei wiped her face with aloe vera gel and hoped it would clear up naturally. “My face started getting worse, and that’s when the swelling on and under my eyes happened.”

By the final morning of the trip, one of her eyes was completely swollen shut – and things got even more alarming when she phoned her mum. “I FaceTimed my mom, and she said I didn’t even look like myself, then the family I went with said I looked like E.T.”

If her own mum couldn’t recognise her – how would she get through customs? “I had to go on my flight and go through customs looking not like myself, and I was scared I wasn’t going to be able to get back home. I’m so thankful I made it through,” she said.

“I wore my sunglasses the whole trip home, even when it was dark out, because I was so embarrassed.” And it wasn’t just her appearance drawing reactions, “When I went to the pharmacy, the lady working had wide eyes and went, ‘Oh my.’ Then, when I went through customs in Boston, the guy was like, ‘Too much sun?’ and I was like, ‘Yep!’”

Ashlei stopped at a Dominican airport pharmacy and picked up anti-inflammatory medication. While still abroad, she reached out to her doctor, who prescribed her an oral steroid but she couldn’t begin the course until landing back in New York on March 25.

It took four full days of steroids for her face to finally return to normal.

“My doctor wasn’t sure if it was sun poisoning, but I work at a hospital and asked a rheumatologist. She said it was sun poisoning, so that’s what I have been telling people it is.” she said

Now fully recovered, Ashlei is speaking out to warn others about how dangerous sun exposure can be – even when you use protection. “I would say the dangers of sun exposure are real. I’m lucky my sun poisoning affected my face and not anything else, and I had no symptoms besides swelling.”

“It’s very important to use your sunscreen and wear hats. I think that’s where I went wrong. I really should have had something besides sunscreen protecting my face.”

“But all in all, the sun is no joke, especially in the Caribbean where it’s much more potent.”

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The lesser-known Caribbean island of Grenada is a true gem, with stunning white sand beaches, lush rainforests and some incredible natural wonders for a dreamy holiday

An undiscovered Caribbean paradise offers holidaymakers white sandy shores, lush forests and untouched natural beauty. Tucked away northwest of Trinidad and Tobago, northeast of Venezuela, and southwest of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the dreamy destination of Grenada personifies classic Caribbean appeal.

Come May and June, Grenada presents superb weather with daytime temperatures averaging a comfortable 29C to 31C, cooling down to a pleasant 23C to 25C at night – a perfect respite from the unpredictable English climate.

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Yet, despite its charming climate, Grenada is still a hidden gem compared to its busier neighbours, welcoming just 366,000 visitors annually – far fewer than the likes of Antigua (680,000) and St Lucia (783,000).

Famous for its aromatic nutmeg and mace, the island is fittingly dubbed the “Island of Spice” and has a storied past that includes early Arawak and Carib inhabitants, a period under French control in the 17th century, and its subsequent transformation into a British colony, as per a report by the Express.

Grenada became independent from the UK in 1974 and now thrives as part of the Commonwealth. The nation prides itself on a rich cultural tapestry, with influences from African, European and indigenous Caribbean roots clearly visible in their rhythmic music, expressive dance, delectable food, and lively festivals, including the exuberant Carnival celebrations.

Grenada isn’t just rich in history, it’s also an adrenaline junkie’s dream destination where water sports abound.

Thanks to the island’s exceptional conditions, enthusiasts can try their hand at sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and kiteboarding with plenty of resorts and aquatic centres on hand to offer both equipment hire and lessons.

For those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land, a venture into Grenada’s lush heartland to Annandale Falls is a must-do activity. This picturesque cascade invites visitors to either dive into its refreshing pool or simply soak up the tranquil atmosphere.

The secluded spot has earned glowing reviews on TripAdvisor from those lucky enough to stumble upon it. One impressed visitor shared: “First visit, only there for a day from a cruise ship, but just love this beautiful country. The people are extraordinarily polite and friendly.

“Taken around the island on a one hour taxi ride that lasted much longer and showed Grand Anse beach (absolutely gorgeous and where the locals play) and the famous University. Any Uni with its beach must be a winner! A beautiful, calm place to study with lots of happy-looking students milling around.

“Flowers and trees are in full bloom and taxi driver Ronald is incredibly knowledgeable about the political history of the island. The waterfront is beautiful and so many fish to see. Some serious hills to climb to the fort etc, so wear comfy shoes.”

Another holidaymaker chimed in: “A must, Grenada is my favourite West Indian Island with the locals being very helpful and friendly, and the local shops being interesting and cheap.

“Our favourite trip was on the Rhum Runner, a twin-hulled boat with a large flat deck and upper deck above. We boarded it for our second time just before Christmas with a steel band playing.

“A trip around the main harbour followed by the crew feeding the local large fish. During this time the Rum Punch flowed in abundance, along with soft drinks, fresh local fruit, and cheese.

“The next stop was a very beautiful beach which we landed on by literally walking down a gangplank. The rum still flowed whilst enjoying the scenery, even trays of drink appeared to float along on their own with crew members under the water.”

IT doesn’t get more exciting than sailing in style to a paradise Caribbean private island.

And even more cruise lines are now going all out to host passengers on their own islands.

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Royal Caribbean last week announced its second Perfect Day destination off Mexico, opening in 2027, which will include a waterpark with 30 slides, the longest lazy river in the world, adults-only beach clubs and a host of bars and restaurants.

Lisa Minot looks at existing private islands you can cruise to.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN

IT was Royal who upped the ante with the launch of its revamped Perfect Day at Coco Cay in 2019.

The £185million transformation of its Bahamas island included a new pier, thrill rides and chill zones.

There are seven beaches to laze beside the warm waters and six pools, including Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean with swim-up bar and in-water loungers.

The Thrill Waterpark has 14 slides including the tallest in North America while Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill’s Galleon are perfect places for the kids to play.

There’s complimentary food at four restaurants as well as a host of bars and shops.

The adult-only Hideaway Beach opened in January last year and, for an extra charge, over-18s can enjoy a private beach, two pools, seven bars and two restaurants.

Also available to book for an extra charge are overwater cabanas, a zipline and tethered hot air balloon as well as kayak tours and snorkelling excursions.

GO: A week full-board on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is from £1,064pp, sailing from Miami on November 8 and calling at St Maarten, St Thomas and Perfect Day at Coco Cay.

See royalcaribbean.com.

MSC CRUISES

WITH its signature stripey lighthouse and two miles of white sand beaches, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas is a regular port of call for MSC cruise ships.

They sail from their new private terminal in Miami as well as Port Canaveral in Florida and New York, including MSC World America, which made its debut in April.

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The Italian cruise line has transformed a former sand excavation site in the last ten years, planting more than 75,000 trees and bringing back marine life and birds.

A newly-opened conservation centre on the island allows guests to discover their achievements and includes a land-based coral nursery and fully-equipped bio-lab.

But cruise guests will also appreciate the island’s laid-back vibe with food trucks and restaurants offering Bahamian specialities, barbecue classics, snacks and oodles of ice cream and beach bars serving tropical cocktails.

There’s a chance to explore the underwater wonders with snorkelling, kayak, paddle board and windsurfing excursions.

For a bit of luxury, you can relax in a cabana or take a sunset champagne cruise.

GO: Seven nights’ full-board on MSC World America is from £649pp.

Sailing from Miami on September 13, the cruise calls at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

See msccruises.com.

HOLLAND AMERICA/CARNIVAL

ONE of the original private island pioneers, the Holland America line first started calling at RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas in 1997 and it has been expanding its presence there ever since.

In summer next year, a major upgrade will see a new beach club and lunch venue on its original facilities on the south of the island’s stunning two-mile crescent of powder-soft white sand as well as a new pier at the north end of the beach that will be used by both Holland America and its sister cruise line Carnival.

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Thrill-seekers can enjoy horseback riding along the shore, snorkelling, jet skiing, and stingray encounters.

Families will love the Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park, while nature enthusiasts can explore eco-tours and birdwatching.

Unique experiences include glass-bottom boat tours and a pirate ship-themed bar.

With beach sports, shopping and complimentary barbecue lunches, this is a high-end island escape for cruisers.

GO: A 14-night full-board Western & Eastern Caribbean cruise on Holland America’s Zuiderdam is from £1,379pp, departs Miami on November 8 and calls at Half Moon Cay, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Cozumel, Mexico, Miami, Bahamas, Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, Turks & Caicos.

See hollandamerica.com.

DISNEY

MICKEY Mouse and pals now have two private islands to enjoy in the Bahamas.

Their original, Castaway Cay, opened in 1998 as part of the launch of the new cruise line.

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And last year, they opened Lookout Cay.

As you would expect, there is a huge amount of fun activities for kids including kids’ clubs for three to 17-year-olds.

The family beach features plenty of umbrellas, chairs and hammocks plus tube and float rentals and an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet.

Water babies will love Pelican Plunge, a huge floating platform featuring water slides and cannons.

Spring-a-Leak is a water play area with freshwater jets.

Adults get their own Serenity Bay stretch of pristine sands as well as a restaurant and bar.

The island features a 12-acre snorkel trail dotted with sunken treasures including the submarine from the classic Disney attraction 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea and there are miles of paths to explore on foot or bicycle.

Over at Lookout Cay, there’s more of a focus on nature and celebrating the island’s Bahamian location with a cultural centre where you can learn about traditions and crafts.

GO: A four-night full-board cruise on Disney Wish to the Bahamas, including calls at both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay is from £920pp, based on two adults and two children sharing.

The cruise departs August 17.

See iglucruise.com.

The Caribbean may be out of your budget this year, but if you want a beach break that’s a little closer to home, you might want to consider this stunning UK destination

If you’re looking for a beach getaway on a budget, you might want to consider this UK destination that ‘looks like the Caribbean’ thanks to its white sand beaches and vibrant blue water.

Located on the Isle of Harris in Scotland‘s Outer Hebrides, Luskentyre Beach is hailed as one of Europe’s most beautiful shorelines. It is one of Harris’ largest stretches of coast and also one of the most jaw-dropping shorelines, even earning it a spot among the UK’s top beaches as per the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. People who live on this remote island are proud to call it home, especially when they can enjoy the beach year-round – often without crowds of tourists.

A woman named Caz took to TikTok to show off the beach’s beauty in a video, leaving viewers wondering if they’re looking at Scotland or a much sunnier destination.

“Scotland? Or the Caribbean?” Caz wrote on the video before sharing clips of her and her friends enjoying a day at the beach.

The video included shots of them all diving into the crystal-clear water and playing football on the shore.

The Isle of Harris has been basking in a spell of good weather, boasting sun-soaked days with warmer temperatures in the run-up to summer.

This welcome change has allowed residents to spend time on their beach ahead of the busy tourist season in the peak of summer.

The video capturing these sunny scenes garnered over 2.5million views in just three days, prompting some viewers to fantasise about enjoying the beach themselves.

However, some remained sceptical about the location of the beach, as they couldn’t quite believe it was right on their doorstep.

“This is not Scotland,” one person said, while another asked: “Where the hell are you finding beaches like this in Scotland.”

Nevertheless, the doubts were quickly put to rest by several people who had visited Luskentyre themselves. These visitors were quick to share their own experiences of the beautiful beach.

“Luv Luskentyre beach it’s gorgeous xx,” declared one fan, while another added: “Scotland! I live in Scotland and me and family went there at one point! Gorgeous place!”

“Just remember, that water is cold enough to send you into shock if you’re not careful,” said another. Meanwhile someone else chimed in with, “Might look like Caribbean but temp is far from it.”

According to Hidden Scotland, late spring and summer are the best times to pay a visit to Luskentyre beach. At this time of year you will get the warmest weather, vital for any successful beach day. The ‘lingering light’ at this time of year also creates beautiful views of the surrounding landscape that are hard to beat.

THE luxury Four Seasons hotel franchise is taking on the high seas with a superyacht so glamorous you need an exclusive invitation just to board.

The superyacht cruise ship, dubbed the Four Seasons I, is being kitted out with “sea limousines“, luxury restaurants, a cigar room and even a four-story private penthouse suite.

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Due to debut in January 2026, the ‘sea hotel’ will go on more than 30 voyages in its inaugural year, from across the Bahamas, Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

Passengers can book stays between five, seven and 14 nights – for a pretty lofty price.

Seven nights along the rivieras of Cassis, France and Portofino, Italy, for example, will cost you north of $25,000 (£18,500).

While reservations for the first voyages opened in January 2024, they are on an invitation-only basis for loyal Four Seasons guests.

The exclusivity is “driven by the need to manage extraordinary demand”, according to the luxury hotel chain.

Earlier this week, Four Seasons Yachts announced it had secured more than €400million (£337million) to fund a second luxury vessel slated to debut in 2028.

“With financing secured for the creation of a second Four Seasons Yacht… we are thrilled to be expanding our fleet to include Four Seasons II,” Donald Mason, chief financial officer of Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD, the joint owner and operator of Four Seasons Yachts, said in a statement.

“This milestone reflects our continued growth and commitment to delivering Four Seasons legendary service at sea.”

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Four Seasons I, the franchise’s first sea hotel, is currently under construction at Italian shipyard Fincantieri – which will also be tasked with building the line’s second ship.

The vessel is expected to be fully built and seaworthy in November 2025.

While details about Four Seasons II have not yet been released, it is expected to be just as luxurious – if not more – than its predecessor.

The 190-passenger Four Seasons I is set to feature 14 decks and 95 residential-style cabins with ocean views.

The dazzling superyacht will offer nearly 50 per cent more living space per passenger than other cruise lines’ ships, according to the company, with the majority of cabins measuring over 800 square feet each.

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Four-story penthouse suite

But the jewel in this superyacht’s crown is the Funnel Suite – a four-story penthouse with three bedrooms, a private area dedicated to in-suite spa treatments, and a terrace with a splash pool.

The penthouse, which spans almost 10,000 square feet, is the largest suite on board.

It’s located across the ship’s highest decks – where a traditional “funnel” or smokestack would be on a steamship.

The private suite’s showstopping design feature is its wraparound, floor-to-ceiling windows that offer 280-degree views of the sea.

The curved glass is a “one-of-a-kind engineering innovation [that] is nothing short of remarkable, from its steel web frame support structure to its double glass thermal performance,” Four Seasons said in a statement.

The company also claims it is the largest piece of contiguous glass at sea – and cost an eyewatering $4.5million (£3.4million) to build and install.

Luxury dining

There will be 11 luxury restaurants and bars onboard, as well as a cigar room.

Passengers will be able to dine in the “Michelin-calibre” onboard restaurant – although only breakfast will be included in the pricing.

All other meals will come with a la carte fees – as well as alcohol, which should be fine for the average Four Seasons guest.

The Four Seasons tells guests they should budget for roughly an extra $250 (£185) per person, per day, to cover food and drinks.

And if the main on-deck pool – or the private one in the Funnel Suite – isn’t doing it for you, passengers can also swim in the ocean with private sailing, snorkeling, and windsurfing also being offered.

Passengers will be able to rent “custom crafted sea limousines designed for transfers and coastal grand touring,” according to Four Seasons.

There will be dedicated marina crew to tend to guests’ every need, and beach ladders for dips in the ocean when the ship is anchored.

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